Lockheed Martin has signed a new heads of agreement with Indra to extend their partnership in the development of the latest S-band active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar for the Spanish Navy.

The deal is expected to see the two companies collaboratively advance the development of the AESA radar in support of the navy’s F-110 frigate programme.

The agreement also establishes a framework for the commercialisation of the solid state radar for other anti-air warfare opportunities on other international platforms worldwide.

“Our history working with Indra and our complimentary investments in solid state radar technology make this a natural extension for our partnership.”

Lockheed Martin Integrated Warfare Systems and Sensors vice-president Michele Evans said: “Lockheed Martin has made significant investments in our solid state radar technologies, including an open architecture design that more easily facilitates integration with other systems and components.

“Our history working with Indra and our complimentary investments in solid state radar technology make this a natural extension for our partnership and we look forward to seeing this solid state radar aboard F-110 and future air defence platforms around the world.”

The Spanish Navy’s future F-110-class ship is equipped with an aegis combat system that has been designed to respond to conventional and asymmetric threats during coastline deployment.

The multi-mission surface vessel is slated to begin operations in the next decade.

Navies from other countries are also expected to benefit from the work being carried out on the frigate.

Production of the F-110-class frigate is anticipated to commence next year and the first unit is scheduled to be commissioned in 2023.

The F-110 programme aims to strengthen partnerships between various US and Spanish industries that were initially established during the development and fielding of the first four vessels of the F-100 programme, which were subsequently expanded for the F-105 model.